Julie Raefield-Gobbo

Coal transport meetings slated

Just over a year ago, the Sierra Club began alerting residents to a proposal now under way to transport 130-150 million tons of coal per year through the Columbia River Gorge — via barges or open train cars. One of the specific coal transport projects tied to that proposal is now under consideration in Oregon.

McAndie appears on rape, kidnap indictment

New hearing slated Dec. 4 in circuit court

In the packed Hood River courtroom of Judge Paul Crowley on Nov. 29, Donald Stuart McAndie, 56, of Home Valley, Wash., appeared via video feed from NORCOR to face indictments of rape in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, unlawful sexual penetration in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse.

Latino Family Night brings info on college

A coalition of educators and community supporters have worked together to create a new educational opportunity for Hispanic high schools students in Hood River.

Bridge closed, man injured in HR Bridge accident

City of Hood River Police Officer Anthony Frasier received an emergency dispatch call reporting a two-vehicle accident had occurred mid-span on the Hood River Bridge, at 7:14 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 28.

Van Voast gains fire marshal status

Local builders and homeowners alike may recognize the name Mark Van Voast — Hood River County building inspector. What may be news is that Van Voast has become the first building official in the state of Oregon to become a certified fire marshal.

Hood River Cultural Trust awards local arts projects

Six hard-working Gorge nonprofit organizations will find their visions a little easier to achieve this year with the help of grant funding from the Hood River Cultural Trust.

‘Aurora’ performs: Where harmony and choreography mix it up; Tony Smiley opens Nov. 30

‘Aurora’ performs: Aurora, HRV’s newest pop/rock ensemble, will take the stage for its first ever concerts on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Kaleidoscope: Christmas Project fundraiser marks 16 years of styling success

The hairdos were wild along with a few of the t-shirt logos. The room was packed wall-to-wall and the event attendees cheered as each new team of models took to the runway.

A road revised

City starts Country Club realignment

Anyone waiting to make a left turn from County Club Road onto West Cascade knows what the term “failing intersection” means. It means at minimum, frustration, or near misses, and, for some unlucky drivers, accidents.

Pass the Bird

Hood River man translates turkeys into treasure for local charities

If you’ve gone on the annual “Tour de Coop” in which dozens of local poultry enthusiasts show off their fowl farms each summer, then you may already know about Ted James and his bird farm. What you may not know is that James has turned his poultry passtime into something that benefits the community.

Greg Walden to head NRCC, says forests need ‘expedited process’

Hood River Republican promoted in party leadership

The Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously selected U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., on Nov. 14 to one of the top Republican leadership positions in the Congress. He will chair the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC).

CGCC nets donation for Workforce center

Columbia Gorge Community College is poised to take a dramatic new step in expanding and improving its renewable energy technology workforce training program.

Rep. Mark Johnson returns to House

Peter Nordbye shares campaign finance lessons

Oregon State House of Representatives incumbent Mark Johnson, (R-District 52) of Hood River, will be headed back to Salem for another term, thanks to a successful, yet close run against Democratic opponent Peter Nordbye.

Cascade Locks mayor-elect speaks out

In an interview on Nov. 8, Cascade Locks Mayor-elect Tom Cramblett shared his feelings on his recent victory: “I’m feeling great.”

Principals begin exchange of education cultures

Educating upcoming generations is a priority in every culture, even if the methods used to bring about that education vary widely.

HR Fire fights ISO downgrade

Insurance costs rising as a result of industry rating

Imagine taking a test wherein your answers will affect thousands of people. You have not been informed of the value of each question (of which there are hundreds), but every point gained or lost could potentially cost thousands of dollars.

Warming Shelter volunteers sought, training offered

The Hood River Warming Shelter seeks to provide some of the most vulnerable in our community with a warm place to sleep, according to coordinating Pastor Linda Presley of Valley Christian Church.

Chamber break-in, computers stolen

Thieves entered the Hood River Chamber of Commerce offices sometime on the night of Oct. 30 and walked away with two laptops, a desktop and about $50 in petty cash, said Hood River Police Chief Neal Holste.

Kaleidoscope: Legally Blonde sails into HRV stage on a woof and a prayer

The prayer that opens this raucous, fairytale musical offers a decidedly modern twist to praising God. Not to give too much away, but think “OMG” sung in the highest, most endearing Valley-Girl-Speak ever — like, for sure!

Candy in, candy out

Halloween offers recycling options, healthy ideas

Good news for those of you who love trick-or-treating with the young’uns: The free Heights Safe Halloween event will still be offered this year at the Hood River Armory on the Heights Halloween evening, 5-7 p.m. The Heights Business Association, the City of Hood River and Hood River Lions are hosting the event.

CORRECTION: Walden to seek NRCC chairmanship

Rep. Greg Walden recently told press-representatives that if re-elected in November he intends to seek the chairmanship of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Rock violinist Aaron Meyer shares musical insights

Concert rock violinist Aaron Meyer and guitarist Tim Ellis will be arriving back in Hood River Saturday to share a fully orchestrated performance alongside the Columbia Gorge Sinfonietta.

All-weather fun at Autumn Festivals

The “sun breaks” that blessed Harvest Fest-goers this weekend provided just enough warmth and rain-free moments to enjoy the many outdoor aspects of the event.

Walden to seek NRCC chairmanship if re-elected

Correction: Oct. 23 online and Oct. 24 printed edition of the Hood River News erroneously identified the organization Rep. Walden sought the chairmanship of. The text below reflects the correction.

Rep. Greg Walden recently told press-representatives that if re-elected in November he intends to seek the chairmanship of the National Republican Congressional Committee.

Sign up for HRCSD flash alerts

With the weather turning cold and the potential for school delays on the horizon, parents need to re-subscribe to the Hood River County School District FlashAlert system.

Teen dies in Highway 35 collision

Oregon State Police troopers are continuing the investigation into Tuesday afternoon’s fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of 18-year-old Savanna K. Holloway, of Cascade Locks, along Highway 35 about 10 miles south of Hood River.

Kaleidoscope: Tales from the Fruit Loop

This week's Kaleidoscope focuses on the places and people of the Hood River Valley Fruit Loop.

Rasmussen’s renews visitors with beauty and spirit

The feel of crisp autumn air in your face. The contrasting crunch and give of a juicy, ripe pear in your mouth. The stunning beauty of an unobstructed view across the valley. The joyful shrieks of children as they race to the pumpkin field and on through the corn maze.

‘Legally Blonde’ tickets on sale

If you have an interest in smart blondes, goofy dogs or fun-spirited, toe-tapping musicals, the news is good.

Pears finish strong

Labor shortages arose, posed small challenges

According to the preliminary reviews of this year’s pear harvest, the numbers are looking good.

Harvest Fest: 30 years young

Event promises foraging and fun

Thirty years of delivering fresh-picked apples, pears and produce mixed in with live music, good food and spectacular views makes for a good bet when it comes to planning your weekend fun — even with a possible sprinkle or two.

CGCC’s inspired IT department marks 17 years

From humble beginnings in a dark, dank basement room to a sleek, brand new suite of offices and equipment areas, the CGCC Information Technology department has come a long way in 17 years.

For Hood River Valley winemakers the crush is on

At the Bickford family farm, ‘weeds with fruit’ yield sweet results

Pinot Noir. Riesling. Syrah. Tempranillo. Gewürztraminer. Chardonnay. Zinfandel. These exotic pronunciations roll off the tongue with luxurious sensations, very much like the ultimate product of these fruits, after they’ve been pulled from the vine.

Elections approach

FYI: Candidates and issues in review

Perhaps the presidential debates have sparked renewed interest in politics for the average Hood River County resident. If so, the time to secure your right to vote is fast approaching.

Fire: Facing a necessary force of nature

Recent news reports have blazed with dramatic and terrifying images, tapping into a primal, instinctual fear shared by every human — the fear of fire.

Murals beautify buildings, hearts

Following a calling to “build communities through art,” Alex Cook, a muralist and musician from Boston, worked some magic this week on two local buildings, and in the hearts of the children who use them.

Crash ignites West Side brushfire

A small brush fire ignited when a truck driver crashed into a power pole near the intersection of Frankton and Country Club roads on Sunday around 5 p.m.

Fire closes Twin Tunnels trail for a month or more

With the danger of falling boulders and other hazards a real threat, the Mosier Twin Tunnels trail, connected to the Mark O. Hatfield State Park above Hood River, will be closed to pedestrians and cyclists for up to a month or more.

Meter thief at large

Suspect sought in $7-$10K in losses, damages

With the quiet of a burglar’s finely finessed tools or through a brute hacksaw meter-decapitation, someone has been making off with parking money from the City of Hood River.

Sinfonietta pairs with Aaron Meyer

A new twist on a favorite local performer’s style awaits audiences in the Gorge come Oct. 27.

Candle sets house ablaze

A candle burning in a bedroom most likely ignited the second-story fire at 1015 Columbia St. on Sept. 30, said Hood River Fire Chief Devon Wells.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps profiles: Monique Stenger

Using an analytical brain, matched with a caring heart, Monique Stenger is taking on a much-needed task at PHRMH. She will be working to eliminate barriers to women who need to obtain mammogram cancer screenings, but who might not be able to afford them.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps profiles: Hollis Dunlop

Racing between four food-based assistance programs in Hood River is just about the right pace of service work for Hollis Dunlop, whose high energy is fueled by passionate dedication to creating equal access to food.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps profiles: Daniel Taylor

Leaving behind a rural home in Texas replete with alligators and swamps, Daniel Taylor is bringing his degree in philosophy to his volunteer service with Columbia Gorge Community College. His future plans to become a physician or research scientist will, according to him, be enriched by his year with JVC.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps profiles:Justin Velez

“It’s a great way to live in another place, have an internship and experience an alternative living style,” said Justin Velez, a “veteran” JVC volunteer.

Jesuit Volunteer Corps profile: Bianca Fernandez

Bianca Fernandez speaks three languages: English, Spanish and Italian. She also speaks a universal language recognized by people of every age — compassion.

Service and Spirit: A community of inspired young adults arrives in Hood River

While much of today’s culture in the U.S. appears focused on the acquisition of wealth and the adoration of fame, there is a small group of young people who have just arrived in Hood River who are experimenting with a different world view; one more in line with the profoundly challenging guidance offered by Mother Seton.

Chinese teacher welcomed at HRV

Middle schoolers, adults can also enroll in language classes

Acting fast on an unexpected opportunity sometimes yields surprisingly good outcomes. As a result of some quick action, Hood River Valley High School Principal Karen Neitzel was able to create an unusual and exciting opportunity for her students — and the community at large.